7 HVAC Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Whether you own a home or rent one, an air conditioner on the fritz can be a huge source of worry and discomfort. Before that happens, your system may exhibit warning signs that it is not functioning optimally. If you don’t perform HVAC maintenance or a repair, it could fail you. Check out the seven warning signs that you shouldn’t ignore and schedule an appointment for HVAC maintenance in Flower Mound, sooner rather than later.

1. Increase in Your Electric Bills

Your energy costs can and will fluctuate throughout the year. Higher demands on your system automatically equal higher energy bills.  However, these changes should not be occurring inexplicably. If you notice that your energy bill has drastically increased, monitor your gas or electric use patterns throughout the day. Consider the weather conditions that may cause internal temperatures to fluctuate. If you can’t come up with a logical reason for the spike in energy use, your system may be operating inefficiently. Calling a certified HVAC maintenance technician should be next on your to-do list.

2. Reduced Air Quality

The air that circulates throughout your home should maintain a certain level of quality. A warning sign that your HVAC system could be failing is low quality air. Typically, the decrease in air quality is a result of moisture in the HVAC system, contaminants of various origins, or mold.  Health issues caused by indoor airborne particulates can be difficult to diagnose, but pay attention to any symptoms that you or someone in your home may develop. If you have poor air quality, you can experience the following symptoms:  Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat:
  • Mental fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Airway infections
  • Coughing

3. Questionable Odors

Unusual smells can be a definite warning sign that something is wrong in your home. If you are experiencing strange smells and the smell seems to follow throughout your home, you could be experiencing issues with your HVAC system. 

Smells and Their Meanings

If you smell rotten eggs, you most likely have a natural gas leak. Gas leaks can be incredibly dangerous and only a professional should handle them. Immediately call for help, and for safety, get out of your home until an expert addresses the issue. Meanwhile, a burning smell is an indication of an electrical problem. Electrical issues can occur within the motor or other components within the unit. If you smell burning through your home, cut off all power to the unit. Failing to turn off the power could result in a fire. Then, there’s a moldy or musty smell. If you are smelling a moldy or “wet” smell through your home, it may be the result of moisture and mold growing in your ducts. Due to the potential for moisture to escape from the HVAC unit into the ducts, it’s possible for mold to grow and accumulate. This poses a serious health hazard.

4. Inexplicable Noises

Odd noises coming from an HVAC unit, such as grinding, grating, and squealing, warrant an investigation. If your HVAC system is experiencing technical issues, the unit may need a repair or replacement. Pay attention to the sounds coming from your HVAC, and call for help when you notice a change. As a general rule, your HVAC should be quiet. You probably hear it kick on and hear a steady hum as the system runs, but it shouldn’t make any jarring sounds. If you act quickly, you could keep your system from needing an extensive repair. 

5. Water in or Around Your System

Water and HVAC units do not mix! Whether it is a small leak or a noticeable puddle, the water spells out trouble for the life of your HVAC system, as well as other items within the home. If you find water around your HVAC system, you should call a professional for immediate assistance.

6. Indoor Temperature Imbalances

Temperature fluctuations throughout your home is a clear sign that your HVAC system is not functioning efficiently. If you notice hot and cold spots, you have poor air circulation. There could be an issue with your ducts or the system itself. In any case, don’t let the issue persist. Let a licensed professional find out what’s wrong with your home’s heating and cooling. 

7. Your HVAC System Has Had Many Birthdays

Typically, after ten years of owning a system, you should consider replacing it. The HVAC systems on the market today are as much as 60 percent more efficient than those that were made over a decade ago. The age of your HVAC system should be a contributing factor in whether you decide to have it replaced.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

How do I know if my HVAC is bad?

Your HVAC making unusual noises, leaking, or emitting strange smells is an indication of a bad HVAC system. Additionally, uneven heating and cooling is a sign of trouble. As soon as you spot changes with your HVAC, seek out help from a professional. 

What can go wrong with HVAC?

There are many different aspects that can cause dysfunction or disrepair in an HVAC system. If you don’t care for your system, you may experience  gas leaks, overheating, mold growth, problems with drainage, drip pan overflow, coolant issues, clogged ducts and air filters, and poor air quality. By providing routine maintenance for your system, you may be able to prevent some of the common problems. 

What is the life expectancy of a HVAC system? 

An HVAC system will sometimes continue to run past the decade mark, but this isn’t always the case. If you don’t want to need to replace your HVAC system early on, you should be diligent about your maintenance. And, even if you give your system the care it needs, the unit may not maintain optimum efficiency. Every year, your system loses a little efficiency. 

Are You Experiencing One or More of These Warning Signs?

Sounds like it’s time to give us a call! If you are on the hunt for HVAC replacement services or HVAC repair in Flower Mound, we invite you to contact our company. We can schedule one of our highly-trained technicians to inspect your unit and make sure all is in working order. If it isn’t in working order, we’ll get it there. Call us now for an appointment or for HVAC maintenance. Don’t forget to visit our service area pages and follow us on Facebook for more exciting updates.

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